Bangladesh is mourning the loss of Shamima Sattar Mimo, a revered former national athlete, dedicated sports organiser, and recipient of the National Sports Award. She passed away last night at her home in Dhaka following a sudden heart attack, leaving the country’s sports fraternity in profound grief.
According to family members, Mimo had been battling heart disease and vertigo for several years. In recent months, her health had deteriorated further, affecting her mobility and cognitive recognition. Despite a brief period of recovery during which she attempted to re-engage with sports activities, her return was tragically short-lived. Honouring her final wishes, her body will be taken to Dinajpur and laid to rest beside her father’s grave.
Athletic Career and Achievements
Shamima Sattar Mimo was a formidable presence in Bangladeshi athletics in the post-independence era. She dominated the high jump at the national level for many years and also secured multiple medals in sprint events. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the National Sports Award in 2000, one of the highest honours for a Bangladeshi athlete.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Athletics |
| Specialisation | High Jump, Sprinting |
| National Medals | Multiple (High Jump and Sprint Events) |
| National Sports Award | 2000 |
| Post-Retirement Roles | Coach, Judge, Sports Administrator |
| Key Positions | Coach at National Sports Council; Deputy Director (Training) at BKSP; Member of Athletics and Archery Federations; Athletics Judge |
After retiring from competitive athletics, Mimo continued to serve the sporting community with dedication. She began her administrative career as a coach at the National Sports Council and later held the position of Deputy Director (Training) at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP). She was an active member of both the Athletics and Archery Federations and served for many years as a respected athletics judge.
Her passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from BKSP, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the Athletics Federation, the Archery Federation, and numerous eminent figures within the sports fraternity. Colleagues and athletes remembered her as a trailblazer whose leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment inspired generations.
Shamima Sattar Mimo’s legacy endures not only through her sporting achievements but also through the lives she touched as a mentor, coach, and organiser. Her dedication to the development of athletics in Bangladesh ensures that her contributions will be remembered for decades to come.
